One of the tools that I see being brought back under the heading of Unified communications is the "All Hands" meeting room. Large spaces where employees meet in person face to face and communicate. I have heard my clients call it a producttivity tool and true collaboration. What is Old is New Again.

Susan, I did a couple of banking proyects for a Unified Communications company in Japan and China and our biggest concern was the use of the ATM networks.

Still today it is difficult to have a seamless experience over non-dedicated networks, especially when using mobile devices. That's why some high-end services are still using dedicated lines and hardware.

Mobile services companies such as Comverse have been introducing mobile tools to the UC market, and they are offering better tools to manage the range of devices people use today.

Alison, right, it sounds good, but is very dependent on getting those tools right and matching the workers' actual workstyle. It seems like at least a few companies thought they were doing this already but have been doing a pretty bad job of it. I guess the proof will be in the pudding, as you say!

Our latest survey shows growing demand, fixed budgets, and good reason why resellers and vendors must fight to remain relevant. One thing's for sure: The data center is poised for a wild ride, and no one wants to be left behind.